What is the Difference between Psychotherapy and Counseling?
Deciding between psychotherapy and counseling can be difficult, especially when you need help. Rest assured that both psychotherapists and counselors can be helpful in meeting your therapeutic goals but taking some time to understand the difference between the two disciplines may produce better outcomes. Psychotherapy and Counseling terms have been used interchangeably for some time but there are important differences between psychotherapy and counseling.
| PSYCHOTHERAPY | COUNSELING |
|---|---|
| Long-term solutions for past or recurring problems | Short-term solutions for present problems |
| Treatment is typically longer in duration | Treatment is typically shorter in duration |
| Feeling and experience focused | Action and behavior focused |
| Primary Process (addresses the event) | Secondary Process-(meaning attached to event) |
| May include talk therapy & testing & other modalities | Typically, is talk therapy |
Most trained therapists use a combination of both psychotherapy and counseling techniques with the goal being to “start where the client is.” Based on the client’s goals and treatment needs, the therapist and the client will develop a treatment plan that will likely incorporate all the above techniques.
Counseling:
Means to “advise” and it generally involves the counselor and patients to use critical thinking to solve a problem. Counselors tend to provide advice, planning and guidance and are very active in the process. This process is typically short term and is present oriented with very specific goals.
Psychotherapy:
Generally, focuses on increased insight into chronic physical or emotional pain, where thoughts and feelings from the past and present are analyzed and changed so the person feels emotional relief.
Similarities:
Both counseling and psychotherapy are built on trust. Trust is the building block for all therapeutic interactions and with trust, the person feels emotional, and physically safe to share their story.
If you are unsure about seeing a counselor or a psychotherapist, reach out to these professionals and ask questions. A qualified professional should be able to provide you with their own process, their credentials, how they work with clients, explain the difference between counseling and psychotherapy and most importantly provide you with a sense of connection.
